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Chicago beat San Jose in a game that blah blah blah blah. This story has been written too many times already.

San Jose had four power plays in this game. The total result? One goal against. The power play right now is atrocious, as the Sharks have only converted two of their last 46 opportunities with the man advantage, the last one coming in garbage time against Columbus. I think at this point, it goes without saying that San Jose lives and dies by the 5 on 4.

The Sharks looked good at the start of this game. They came out with intensity, they finished checks, they moved the puck cleanly through the neutral zone, and got some quality chances, especially from Ryane Clowe. Luckily, Patrick Marleau was able to slip one past Ray Emery late in the first, after a great rush by Joe Pavelski.

There’s no question that the Sharks can beat the Hawks. The question is, which Sharks team will show up?

Will the Sharks team taking the ice in Chicago tomorrow night be the team that’s always moving, both with and without the puck, the team that scores goals in bunches, or will it be the stagnant team that lacks the ability to get shots through to the net?

Tomorrow night is going to be huge. I don’t want to over exaggerate, but the outcome of this game can dictate the rest of this shortened season.